Natanya van Schalkwyk runs the weight clinic at Craig View Veterinary Clinic.
While the service is currently unavailable during lockdown, she has shared some useful advice on pet obesity, a topic she has a special interest in.
The Covid-19 lockdown has had an effect on the animals.
For many of them, Christmas has come early as their humans are with them for most of the day.
Natanya says domestic animal nutrition has improved drastically over the recent years.
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“The health and well-being of your pets is our priority; therefore, it is of utmost importance that they receive the correct nutrition and care according to their individual needs”.
She added that almost 50 per cent of the pet population is overweight, with experts expecting the Covid-19 lockdown to have an 18 per cent escalation on that number.
“Some pets, like humans, may be predisposed to being overweight.
“Thus, not only the correct food but also the correct amount of food is important.”
During this lockdown period, pet owners are going to be in contact with their pets far more than normal and the urge may occur to feed more often or feed larger quantities more often.
“We have to consider the fact that they will not be going on as many walks, trips to the park or physio sessions. We need to refrain from overfeeding.
“As much as we feel sorry for them, it is in their best interest,” she said.
The following tips are given to assist pet owners in reducing the risk of their pets being overweight during this period:
• Treats
Giving treats during this time may be a great way to assist with training, but it is imperative that store-bought treats are cut into smaller portions and home-made ones contain healthy ingredients.
Remember, treats make up a portion of your pets daily food allowance.
If your pet is already overweight there is special food available, specifically formulated to aid in weight loss.
Various brands offer low/restricted calorie, diet and metabolic foods which are specially designed for dogs and cats to lose that unwanted weight.
• Don’t kill your pet with kindness
Excess weight has absolutely no health benefits and can reduce your pet’s life expectancy. By keeping your pet healthy and at an ideal weight, you are giving them the best chance of a longer, healthier pain-free life.
• Keeping your pet at a healthy weight lowers their risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory disease, kidney disease and some forms of cancer.
It can also reduce the risk of injury to bones, joints and muscles that are associated to excess weight.
If your pet has arthritis, keeping him or her at a healthy weight makes it easier to manage the discomfort associated with joint pain.
(Information: Craigview Veterinary Clinic Facebook page)
